Luke 7:50 – “Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this final verse of the story, Jesus speaks directly to the woman who had shown such overwhelming love and devotion to Him by washing His feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, and anointing them with expensive perfume. His words, “Your faith has saved you,” confirm that her salvation was not earned by her actions but was a result of her faith in Him.
Her faith is what led her to approach Jesus in humility and repentance, trusting that He had the power to forgive her sins. The phrase “go in peace” is more than a farewell; it’s a declaration of spiritual wholeness. The peace Jesus speaks of isn’t just the absence of conflict—it’s the deep, inner peace that comes from knowing you are forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, peace (shalom) was a powerful and all-encompassing concept that went beyond simply feeling calm. It referred to a state of well-being, harmony, and reconciliation with God. For the woman, who had likely lived with public shame and guilt due to her sinful reputation, this declaration of peace would have been life-changing. She no longer had to carry the burden of her past; she was forgiven and free.
The religious leaders of the time, like Simon the Pharisee, believed that salvation and peace with God were achieved through strict obedience to the law and religious rituals. Forgiveness was tied to the temple system, with sacrifices required to atone for sin. But Jesus bypasses all of that here. He declares that salvation comes through faith, challenging the religious norms and pointing to the new covenant that He was establishing.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the foundational Christian teaching that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. The woman didn’t earn her salvation by her actions, but her actions demonstrated the faith that had already taken root in her heart. Her love and devotion were a response to the forgiveness she had received, not a means of earning it.
Faith, in this context, is more than intellectual belief—it’s trust in Jesus as the one who can save and forgive. By telling the woman that her faith has saved her, Jesus makes it clear that salvation is a personal encounter with Him. It’s not about following rules or rituals but about trusting in Him as the source of forgiveness and new life.
The peace that Jesus gives is another important theological concept. True peace comes from knowing that your sins are forgiven and that you are right with God. This peace is something that only Jesus can give because it is rooted in the reconciliation that He provides through His sacrifice.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as the conclusion of the story, bringing resolution to the tension between the woman’s actions and Simon’s judgment. Throughout the narrative, the woman’s silent actions have spoken louder than words, and now Jesus’ final statement confirms the truth that her actions reflected: she has been saved by her faith.
The phrase “Your faith has saved you” is central to understanding the entire passage. Jesus doesn’t say, “Your tears have saved you” or “Your gift of perfume has saved you.” Instead, He emphasizes that it is her faith that has made the difference. The simplicity of this statement reinforces the idea that salvation is not complicated—it is available to anyone who comes to Jesus in faith.
The command “go in peace” is also significant. It’s not just a blessing; it’s an invitation to live a new life free from guilt and shame. The woman, who had been labeled by her sin, is now free to walk in the peace of God, knowing that she is forgiven and loved.
Biblical Cross-References
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
- Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
- Luke 18:42 – Jesus says a similar phrase to a blind beggar: “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you,” showing that faith is the key to experiencing His power.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that salvation is a gift received through faith, not something we earn through good deeds or religious activities. The woman’s example challenges believers to come to Jesus with humility and trust, recognizing that He is the only one who can save us.
This verse also reassures Christians that they can experience true peace, even when their past is filled with mistakes. Jesus’ declaration of peace isn’t dependent on our circumstances or what others think of us—it’s rooted in the forgiveness and reconciliation we have through Him. Believers can live in freedom, knowing that their sins are forgiven and they are no longer defined by their past.
Additionally, this verse encourages Christians to express their faith through actions. While the woman’s faith saved her, her actions of love and devotion demonstrated the reality of her faith. Likewise, believers are called to respond to God’s grace with lives of worship, obedience, and love for others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His willingness to forgive and save those who come to Him in faith. The woman didn’t have to clean up her life or prove her worthiness before receiving forgiveness. God’s love met her where she was, offering her salvation and peace as a free gift.
God’s love is also restorative. By telling the woman to “go in peace,” Jesus is giving her more than just forgiveness—He’s offering her a new identity as someone who is loved, accepted, and made whole. God’s love doesn’t just forgive our sins; it restores our relationship with Him and gives us the peace to live in freedom.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus’ mission to bring salvation and peace to the world. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated that faith in Him is the key to receiving forgiveness and eternal life. His death and resurrection would soon make this offer of salvation available to all who believe in Him.
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise of peace with God. Through Him, the barrier of sin is removed, and believers are reconciled to God. His statement to the woman—“Your faith has saved you; go in peace”—foreshadows the peace that all believers can experience through His sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about the relationship between faith and salvation?
- Are there areas of your life where you struggle to believe that God’s forgiveness is complete and final?
- How does understanding the peace that Jesus offers change the way you view your past mistakes?
- In what ways can you demonstrate your faith through actions, like the woman did?
- How can you help others experience the peace of God by sharing the message of forgiveness through Jesus?
Luke 7:50 is a powerful reminder that faith in Jesus is the key to salvation and peace with God. It challenges us to trust Him completely, let go of our past burdens, and live in the freedom and peace that come from knowing we are forgiven. Just as the woman left that day with a new identity and purpose, we too can walk in the peace of God, knowing that our faith in Christ has saved us.